Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak stated that transformative changes in the MSME sector have significantly expanded employment opportunities for youth across the state.
He was addressing the gathering as Chief Guest at the MSME ODOP–ODOC Summit/Expo organized by Udyog Samvad at Hotel Renaissance, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow.
Highlighting government initiatives, Pathak said that alongside the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, efforts are also being made to promote One District One Cuisine (ODOC). He noted that this initiative would help local food products reach every district in the country, thereby creating new avenues for employment and entrepreneurship.
On the occasion, the Deputy CM, along with Udyog Samvad head Amit Gupta, honoured entrepreneurs Ritesh Agrawal, Manoj Goyal, and Rohit Maheshwari with the Udyam Ratna Award, presenting them with mementoes, certificates, and traditional awards.
Speaking at the event, Amit Gupta emphasized that Uttar Pradesh has led the country in implementing the ODOP initiative. He added that under ODOC, traditional delicacies such as Jaunpur’s Imarti, Banda’s Sohan Halwa, and Agra’s Petha represent the rich culinary heritage of different districts. He stressed the importance of promoting these products from “local to vocal” to reach a wider national audience. Gupta also urged traders to expand their businesses beyond district boundaries to enhance growth and employment generation. He presented a three-point memorandum to the Deputy CM, including a request for allocation of office space in the state capital.
Addressing the gathering, Mukesh Meshram described Uttar Pradesh as a state of immense potential, noting that sectors such as livestock, fisheries, and poultry farming offer significant employment opportunities. He informed that the livestock department has launched a WhatsApp channel to assist aspiring entrepreneurs and that the government is planning to organize a Swarn Dugdh Mahotsav soon. He added that citizens can start small businesses in these sectors with the support of government subsidies.
B.K. Verma, Joint Director, MSME-DFO Kanpur, stated that MSME registration has been simplified and can now be completed through online portals or mobile devices. He further noted that the Government of India has created mechanisms enabling traders to sell their products at designated platforms, along with support in marketing and branding.
The event witnessed participation from prominent businesspersons including Manish Agrawal, Gulshan Dang, Anita Agrawal, Ravindra Jaiswal, Govind Babu Tata, Alok Arya, Jagat Narayan Agrawal, Pawan Agrawal, Ashish Goyal, and Pandit Gajendra Sharma, among others from across Uttar Pradesh and different parts of the country.
The MSME ODOP–ODOC Expo also featured a vibrant display of regional products, with stalls showcasing Chandauli’s zari and zardozi work, Pratapgarh’s amla murabba, Lucknow’s famous chikankari garments, Banda’s sohan halwa and balushahi, Jaunpur’s imarti, and Agra’s leather goods, petha, and peda—drawing significant attention from visitors.
